Moving to Milton Delaware? | 😊 What You’ll Love About Living in Milton DE
Have you always dreamed of living in an affordable small town in Delaware with easy access to beaches? Maybe you should consider moving to Milton, Delaware. Milton is a town on the Delmarva Peninsula in northeastern Sussex County. It's known for its historic charm as a center for shipbuilding and was home to many notable entrepreneurs and craftsmen throughout the 19th century.
The Milton area was first settled by English colonists in 1672. Originally known as "Head of Broadkiln," the town was officially renamed Milton in 1807, after the English poet John Milton. It was formally incorporated as a town in 1865.
Today, Milton is a good place to live for residents, families, young professionals, and retirees. It offers historic buildings, easy access to beaches, and a central location. You'll love its picturesque streets lined with beautifully preserved Victorian and Colonial architecture, including 198 buildings and monuments listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The town's Historic District features notable landmarks like the Sussex Trust Trading Company and St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Beyond its historic appeal, Milton boasts vibrant local businesses, scenic parks, and a close-knit community, making it a delightful place to call home.
So, for anyone who is thinking about moving to this nice, quiet, safe town, here is everything you need to know about living in Milton, DE.
Where Is Milton?
The town of Milton DE is in Sussex County in the eastern central part of Delaware. It's part of the fast-growing Cape Region and included within the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Statistical Area. The town is situated on the Broadkill River, which flows into the Delaware Bay. It's located about 7 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Route 5 and Route 16 also pass through the town.
It's about 15 miles or a 37-minute drive from Milton, DE to Rehoboth Beach, DE.
Many families planning a move to Milton schedule a short stay first to explore neighborhoods, schools, and nearby beaches. Instead of booking a traditional hotel, some visitors prefer vacation-style accommodations that offer more space and flexibility. Platforms like FVRentals, PetFriendly, and BetterTrips make it easy to research places to stay and organize a relocation visit along the Delaware coast.
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Milton Population and Demographics
The Milton population is 3,291 residents according to the 2020 census. The town has actually grown quite rapidly and the population increased by 27.8% since 2010. It offers residents a sparse suburban feel and the Milton DE population density is 1,801.5 residents per square mile.
There are more families and retirees in Milton, and residents tend to be older.
About 36% of people living in Milton, DE are over 65, and 25% are under 18. Only 16% are between the ages of 20 and 40. The median age is 48.2 years old, which is 20% higher than the rest of Delaware. Most residents tend to lean conservative.
The racial and ethnic breakdown of the town is 94.1% White (81.6% white, non-Hispanic), 10.4% Black or African American, 5.9% Hispanic or Latino and 1.6% two or more races.
Other Milton Demographics
- The median household income is $67,763, which is about 20% lower than the rest of the state.
- The Milton Delaware population is overwhelmingly female; 58% of residents are women, and 42% of residents are men.
- 90.6% of residents living in Milton, DE have a high school diploma, while 41% have a bachelor's degree or higher.
- The foreign-born population is 4.3%
Many famous residents have resided in the town, including lawyer and activist Bryan Stevenson and former Wyoming governor Joseph M. Carey.
Living in Milton is very safe. The total Milton crime rate is 564 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 76% lower than the national average. The violent crime rate is 70% lower than the rest of the US, while the property crime rate is 77% lower.
The Milton Police Department handles crime in the town with the support of 9 employees, including eight officers and one civilian staff member.
Cost of Living in Milton
It's also vital to consider the affordability if you're thinking about moving to Milton, Delaware. A good way to assess how much it costs to live in an area is to check the cost of living index. It compares the average cost of consumer goods in an area to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for Milton is about 108, indicating it's 8% more expensive than the rest of the US. However, it’s on par with the overall cost of living in Delaware. The Family Budget Calculator created by the Economic Policy Institute indicates that the average family of four with two adults and two kids needs to make about $98,878 to afford the cost of living in Milton, DE.
Typical Milton living expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $17.00
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.85
- Regular cappuccino: $5.33
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.25
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.82
- Average Milton monthly utility bill: $123.71 per month
Source: Numbeo
*numbers reflect the Rehoboth Beach area but will be similar in Milton
Milton real estate is also very affordable. Redfin indicates that the median sales price of Milton, DE homes for sale is $486,000. The average price per square foot of Milton, DE, real estate is $256.
Apartments are also very affordable. About 73% of Milton, Delaware real estate is owner-occupied, while 27% is rented out. Rentcafe shows that rent in Milton starts at around $1600 for a one-bedroom and goes up to $2400 for a three-bedroom.
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Milton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Milton
Living in Milton offers a close-knit community and easy access to amenities regardless of where you're located. However, it helps to understand which areas are the most desirable and offer the most value for your money. So, here are the best places to live if you’re moving to Milton, Delaware.
Cannery Village | A Pristine Milton Neighborhood with Access to Attractions
Named after the Draper King Cole vegetable cannery, Cannery Village is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Milton, with over 300 duplexes and single-family homes with a fitness center, swimming pools, and home to the Dogfish Head Brewery.
Estates at Reddenwood | An Affordable New Home Community with Prime Real Estate
Developed by respected builders, the Schell Brothers, the Estates at Reddenwood is one of the newer neighborhoods in Milton, DE and features more than 100 single family homes on 3/4 acre lots and low HOA fees.
Woodridge | A New Milton Community with Mature Trees and Clubhouse
Woodridge is a picturesque new home community with over 180 homesites shrouded in trees. It boasts a community clubhouse and easy access to beaches via routes 1, 5, and 9.
Milton Weather and Climate
Milton has a humid subtropical climate according to the Koppen classification system. That indicates warm, muggy summers and cold, wet winters. The temperatures can get as low as 15°F in the winter and as hot as 93°F in the summer.
Although it typically ranges from 28°F to 86°F. June is typically the best month to visit Milton, or from August to early October. Living in Milton, DE means you'll have to deal with precipitation. The town averages 46 inches of rain and 12 inches of snow per year, so make sure you pack an umbrella and snow boots.
Things to Do in Milton
For a small town, there are a wide variety of fun things to do in Milton, from craft breweries to nature preserves. Linda Vista Plaza is a good place to find shops and small businesses. The Mercantile at Milton is another popular retailer selling antiques and craft goods. The Farmers Market of Milton DE is also a great place to shop for fresh produce that's open on Fridays at 4 pm from May to October. Otherwise, here are a few of the best things to do in Milton, DE, to keep you entertained.
Milton Theatre
Located in downtown Milton, the Milton Theatre has been around for over 100 years and serves as an artistic hub for the Delmarva Peninsula with live music, comedy shows, kids clubs, and more.
110 Union St, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 684-3038
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The Rookery Golf Course
The Rookery Golf Course is a 36-hole championship golf course with impeccably maintained grounds, wide open fairways, a restaurant, and other attractions.
27052 Broadkill Rd, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 684-3000
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge
Situated just east of Milton, the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 10,000-acre sanctuary for migratory birds, which is one of the top things to do in Milton, Delaware, for outdoor adventurers.
Because Milton is surrounded by wetlands, wildlife preserves, and scenic countryside, many visitors enjoy pairing their trip with nature-focused stays or guided experiences. Travel platforms like Cabinns and SmarTours help travelers discover rustic accommodations and curated experiences across coastal Delaware while exploring the area.
11978 Turkle Pond Rd, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 684-8419
Additional Milton Attractions
If you're looking for more parks, green space, fun town-wide events, or beaches in Milton, DE, the local Parks and Recreation Department has resources available on its website.
Milton Restaurants
From Creole cuisine to comfort food, gourmands will find plenty of top-notch restaurants in Milton, DE. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Milton.
Po Boys Creole Restaurant
If you're in the mood for Cajun food, Po-Boy's is one of the best restaurants in Milton with mouthwatering offerings like andouille gumbo and crawfish etouffee.
900 Palmer St #16, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 684-0890
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Zava Cafe Milton
Zava Cafe is one of the top Milton, DE restaurants if you're looking for a healthy breakfast or lunch with delicious plates like Blue Crab Benedict and smoked salmon tartine.
102 Federal St, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 329-9948
The Backyard
The Backyard is a casual Milton, Delaware restaurant with a posh interior elevated upscale American cuisine, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and lunch plates.
211 Broadkill Rd, Milton, DE 19968 (302) 684-3440
Jobs in Milton
Mostly commuting professionals and retirees live in Milton, so you won't find too many large corporate headquarters or industrial facilities in the town itself. However, it has a strong economy supported by businesses in the local area. The Milton Economic Development Committee is responsible for sustaining a healthy business environment in the community.
The largest industries in Milton are accommodation and food service, education or retail. Most jobs in Milton DE are in management, education instruction or art, design and media occupations.
Major employers in Sussex County include:
- Dogfish Head Brewing Company
- Delmarva Power
- Aloft AeroArchitects
- Merck Animal Health
- Pyramid Transport and Cold Storage
According to Payscale, the average salary for a Delaware resident is $74,000 per year. Employment seekers can find plenty of high-paying and fulfilling Milton jobs in roles such as sales associate and dental assistant. City of Milton, DE jobs are also available for those who want to work in local government.
Milton Schools
There are many fantastic public schools in Milton. In 1969, the Milton School District was consolidated into the Cape Henlopen School District, which currently oversees the public schools serving Milton. There are two elementary schools in Milton; H.O. Brittingham Elementary School and Milton Elementary. Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes is the sole high school serving the area. It's not only the best high school in Milton, but it also ranks #13 in all of Delaware with a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 91% graduation rate.
If you're looking for private schools in Milton, Delmarva Christian Schools has a campus in town and ranks as a B-Minus for academics, clubs, and diversity. Residents living in Milton, DE are also welcome to use the local branch of the Sussex County public library system to check out books and attend community events.
Milton Statistics & Information
- Milton County: Sussex
- Milton area: 1.89 square miles
- Milton zip code: 19968
- Milton area code: 302
- Milton elevation: 10 ft
- Milton time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Milton: The Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) is 38 miles away.
Milton, DE Map
Explore more shopping, attractions, and restaurants in Milton, Delaware, with this map.
Planning on moving to Milton, Delaware? Our dependable Milton movers will gladly take you wherever you need to go. Call (302) 703-9981 today for a free quote.
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